On October 15, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it had accepted a United Steelworkers (USW) Section 301 petition and was launching an investigation into China’s government support for its green energy sector. The investigation will examine China’s government support for wind and solar energy products, advanced batteries and energy-efficient vehicles.[1] Over the course of the next 90 days, the Obama Administration will gather evidence, examine submissions from stakeholders in the private sector and hold a hearing. After 90 days, the Administration should request consultations with the government of China, attempt to achieve a negotiated outcome and, if necessary, launch a World Trade Organization (WTO) case. A negotiated outcome and a WTO case may result in higher tariffs or quotas on China-made green tech products and an end to certain support programs from China.

Background

The October 15 announcement was in response to a petition, filed by the USW under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on September 9, 2010.[2] The USW’s petition alleges that China violates many WTO rules with policies that protect and unfairly support its domestic green technology producers, industries and workers. For example, the petition alleges that China provides trade-distorting direct and indirect subsidies, such as low-interest loans and land grants, to its clean-energy sector. The petition further asserts that China restricts market access with export restrictions on critical materials, including rare earth metals and other minerals, vital to the production of green technologies. The petition contends that China requires foreign companies to transfer technology as a condition for entrance into China’s market. These examples, among many others, allegedly violate provisions of China’s Protocol of Accession to the WTO or specific WTO Agreements.

Section 301 provides that the United States may investigate and sanction foreign countries that maintain acts, policies and practices that violate, or deny US rights or benefits under trade agreements, or are unjustifiable, unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict US commerce. During a Section 301 investigation, USTR must provide interested parties an opportunity to submit their views in writing, and a hearing must be provided, if requested.[3] These procedures allow private companies to provide views and evidence for USTR’s consideration during the investigation. USTR staff will investigate the allegations in the petition and pursue dispute resolution proceedings at the WTO within 90 days.

After 90 days, at the time a WTO case against China is filed, USTR will request formal consultations with China. The aim of consultations is to hammer out a negotiated solution and to persuade and encourage China to end the alleged practices. As a result of a negotiated outcome, the Administration may raise tariffs or place import quotas on China’s green energy exports.